Patrick Mahomes was selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. This moment reshaped the modern NFL landscape, transforming a franchise known for steady caution into an offensive powerhouse. Before he hoisted multiple Lombardi Trophies or won league MVP honors, Mahomes was a high-risk, high-reward prospect out of Texas Tech who divided opinions among scouts.
The Chiefs didn't stay put at their original position. They engineered a bold trade with the Buffalo Bills, leaping from the 27th pick up to number 10 to secure their quarterback of the future. Understanding how that night unfolded reveals why teams gamble on elite arm talent and how a single draft-day decision alters professional football history.
The 2017 Draft Board and Context
Entering the 2017 draft, quarterback needy teams faced a peculiar class. Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, and Patrick Mahomes emerged as the top tier at the position, yet analysts couldn't agree on their ordering. Trubisky went second overall to the Chicago Bears, while Watson landed at 12 with the Houston Texans.
Mahomes sat squarely in the middle, boasting ridiculous college numbers from Texas Tech's Air Raid offense paired with mechanical concerns that frightened traditional talent evaluators. Scouts praised his off-platform throws, incredible arm strength, and fearlessness, but they questioned his footwork, decision-making under heavy pressure, and the transition from Kliff Kingsbury's college system to a pro-style offense. Additional details regarding the matter are detailed by Associated Press.
The Trade With Buffalo
Kansas City sat comfortably at pick 27, an unfamiliar spot for drafting a franchise savior. Head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach recognized that other quarterback-needy franchises—most notably the New Orleans Saints at pick 11—had their eyes on Mahomes.
To jump 17 spots, the Chiefs sent a hefty package to Buffalo: their original first-round pick (27th overall), a third-round pick in 2017, and their first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. At the time, giving up a future first-rounder terrified some analysts, who wondered if general managers were overpaying for an unpolished gunslinger. History proved the trade was an absolute bargain, but on April 27, 2017, it was a massive gamble.
You can read more about historical draft allocations and team strategies on the official NFL Operations portal.
Sitting Behind Alex Smith
Drafting Mahomes 10th overall didn't mean he walked into an immediate starting job. Andy Reid mapped out a developmental redshirt year, keeping veteran quarterback Alex Smith as the undisputed starter for the 2017 season.
This patience paid massive dividends. Mahomes spent his rookie year learning the nuances of NFL playbooks, film study, and professional preparation without the immediate pressure of carrying a franchise. He took scout team reps, absorbed Reid's intricate offensive scheme, and adjusted his mechanics.
- The Mentor Relationship: Alex Smith handled the transition with class, mentoring Mahomes throughout the season.
- The lone start: Mahomes finally saw regular-season action in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, resting Smith while leading a 27-24 victory that flashed his raw playmaking capacity.
- The Launchpad: By trading Smith to Washington in the 2018 offseason, Kansas City handed the keys directly to Mahomes, setting the stage for an immediate MVP campaign.
Common Misconceptions About the Selection
Revisionist history often paints Mahomes as a consensus generational prospect who everyone missed. That narrative is false. Several teams passed on him because his collegiate style didn't fit traditional molds.
Another common error is assuming the Chiefs rushed him into action. Andy Reid's commitment to sitting rookie quarterbacks was a calculated philosophy that protected Mahomes from early confidence-shattering mistakes. For example, throwing a young quarterback with unorthodox mechanics into a dysfunctional offense often ruins their development; Kansas City provided stability, an elite offensive line, and future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce waiting on the other end.
Further context regarding franchise valuations and player tracking can be found on Pro Football Reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams passed on Patrick Mahomes in 2017?
Several teams needing quarterback help passed on him. The Chicago Bears took Mitch Trubisky at number two. Other teams in the top ten like the San Francisco 49ers (who traded down) and the New York Jets chose different positional needs before Kansas City traded up to number ten.
What did the Chiefs give up in the trade with the Buffalo Bills?
The Chiefs traded their 2017 first-round pick (27th overall), their 2017 third-round pick, and their 2018 first-round pick to secure the 10th overall selection from Buffalo.
Was Patrick Mahomes projected to be a top-ten pick?
Most mainstream mock drafts projected him as a late first-round or early second-round pick due to questions about his college scheme and mechanics. However, internal draft boards of quarterback-needy teams valued his rare arm talent much higher.
How many games did Mahomes start as a rookie?
He started one game during his rookie season—the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos in 2017—while veteran starter Alex Smith rested for the playoffs.
